DARBY | I LEAVE WITH A LOT OF GREAT MEMORIES

Out-going club captain Stephen Darby has taken the time to thank City's 'very special' fans as the 28 year-old's hugely successful five-season spell with the Bantams draws to a close.

Darby, who joined City back in the summer of 2012, will depart the Northern Commercials Stadium when his current contract expires at the end of next month.

During his time with the Bantams, Darby played his part in helping City to an EFL Cup final, a place in the Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals and promotion into League One via the play-offs - plus two further play-off campaigns.

Along with those team accomplishments, Darby also skippered the side for two seasons and was voted City's Player of the Year at the end of the 2013/2014 campaign.

The reliable defender made 239 appearances in total for the Bantams.

Speaking about his period with Bradford City, Darby said: "I am certainly leaving with a lot more than when I first arrived.

"When I signed for the club five years ago, I don't think I could honestly have imagined what we were about to achieve over the coming seasons in terms of promotion, play-offs and cup runs.

"We managed to progress each season in the league, and I've absolutely loved every minute of being involved with this football club.

"I leave with some great memories, some great experiences and, most importantly, some great friendships that I've built up along the way.

"They are the sort of friendships that will last a life-time.

"This is a special club with special people working here and very special fans supporting it.

"They are the reason why people want to come and play for this football club.

"They are certainly one of the best sets of fans around and they deserve every success they get in the future."

Reflecting on City's many successes while he was at Valley Parade, the likeable Liverpudlian was spoilt for choice in terms of picking out his favourite memories.

Darby added: "Obviously the two Wembley visits in my first season here were very special.

"The victory over Chelsea (in the FA Cup) as well was probably one the most special individual moments of my career so far.

"You also have when Hans (James Hanson) scored at home to Leeds United (in the EFL Cup). I've never heard a noise like it, the atmosphere was brilliant that night.

"The Aston Villa games home and away (EFL Cup semi-finals) are also up there.

"I am very fortunate that I've had a lot of great days and nights with this football club.

"What was most important for me throughout it all was that we got to enjoy the success together as a club.

"In my first season, the 2012/2013 season, you got the feeling that it was the start of something special.

"You could really see the relationship between the fans and the players on and off the pitch.

"To wear the Bradford shirt and to walk out in front of those tremendous supporters was a privilege, but to lead the players out and wear that captain's armband was a dream come true really."

After such loyal and dedicated service over a sustained period, it goes without saying that the Club would like to thank Stephen for all of his efforts during his time at Bradford City.

We would also like to wish Stephen nothing but the best going forward with his future career.